Satellite receivers have become more technical and now offer a variety of options to choose from. So, how exactly do you decide which satellite receiver is best for you? But Dish Channels always try to keep its readers updated about the new receivers. One of them is Star Track SR-X1250.

The front panel contains eight buttons for operation of the whole box. A text display shows the number of the channel being received, or the clock in standby. In standby mode, the button lights are still on, showing the current time. Under the ﬂap on the front panel, there is also CI slots for pay-TV modules and even a Smart card reader. There’s plenty of options to choose from when it comes to hook-up time. Two Scart sockets are available for TV and VCR. There is also a Serial Interface RS-232 for uploading a new software or updating receiver. The remote is well laid-out and matches the receiver’s beautiful silver looks.

The receiver’s menus are clear, simple, and logically laid out. Choice of language is very good, with available most major European languages.

The installation menu is the ﬁrst port of call when setting up for the ﬁrst time. A comprehensive list of updated satellites is pre-programmed into the receiver, and these can be edited, deleted or added to as required. The corresponding transponder lists appear to be equally comprehensive and up-to-date.

DiSEqC 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and USALS are included to give easy control of a DiSEqC motor for multi-satellite users. Channel scanning is well thought out. All transponders can be scanned, or just a single one. Network scanning is also available which is very useful on large satellites like ASTRA and HOTBIRD.

Searching an entire satellite is quite fast. After the scan is complete, the list of found channels can be edited before they are committed to the receiver’s memory.

All the editing, sorting and ﬁltering functions we need are available, and are easy and intuitive to use. Favourites lists can be set up, and adding to these is easy too. Once we have our lists set up, ﬁnally we can sit back and watch some TV, and everyday viewing is helped by some good design here too.

The main channel list can be sorted or ﬁltered alphabetically, or by FTA/encryption status – and even ﬁltered by just one encryption system if more than one is in use – perhaps useful if using more than one CAM. To display Multi Picture, press the M.P key from the RCU.

It’s good to also see teletext fully supported. Star Track SR-X1250 has the capacity to store 6000 TV and Radio channels. The EPG is also clear and easy to use, bearing in mind the limitations of the usual now/next data transmitted. Buttons are available to scroll forward. The EPG links to the receiver’s event timer, where sleep and wake-up options are available in addition to the usual function of changing to the required channel at the preset time.

What we particularly liked as well is the extremely good video and audio quality of the Star Track SR-X1250. If you want to change channels you need to press the OK button which prompts a list of all available channels to appear on screen. If you’re looking for a particular channel you cannot only have channels listed alphabetically, but also sorted by provider, frequency or signal type.

SCPC reception is no problem for Star Track SR-X1250 with a symbol rate of just 2.5 Ms/s was locked and processed without any problem.

The Star Track SR-X1250 is a perfectly functional new-generation receiver. It is exceptionally easy to operate and offers brilliant video and audio.